My Kitchen Love

making everyday family meals extraordinary

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Start Here
    • Contact
    • Privacy & Disclosure

Home » Weeknight Dinner Ragù with Veggies

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full Disclosure Policy for details.

Weeknight Dinner Ragù with Veggies

February 5, 2018 by Samantha 37 Comments

Weekday Ragù with Veggies is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It’s perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Make in either the slow cooker or in the Instant Pot for an easy weeknight dinner! Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

This is the meal that saves my bacon during the week. When we’re running from place to place or I just need a meal on the table where I’m not listening to why everyone dislikes it.

This Weekday Ragù with Veggies so many vegetables in it, you’ll feel like you’re winning at dinner.

Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

Plus, noodles. And when you have a couple of four year olds and a toddler, noodles are a life line. We love these telephone cord noodles; the kids always play a “who can find the longest noodle” game. One of those times when playing with your food counts.

Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

This recipe is great in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot. Both methods get you to where you want to go. Which is flavour town, but loaded up with veggies. I think I prefer the slow cooker method only because all the ingredients sit there longer and simmer, melding together more. Creating a more cohesive sauce to coat the noodles.

The IP was fantastic, and when you’re in a pinch and need dinner on the table in 30 minutes, then it’s the best call that day.

Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

None of my kids realized how many vegetables are included in this meal, but I LOVED how many I packed in. I’m a bit cheeky and also serve a salad with this dish, but it’s not necessary.

If you wanted to cut down on the meat, you could definitely skip the ground beef and use a cup of green or brown lentils in lieu.

Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

This weeknight dinner recipe makes a ton. I usually freeze a ziplock (laying down flat) in the freezer with the leftovers and take it on trips so we’re not eating out at every meal.

Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

Other pasta sauces we love include this vegetarian Cauliflower Alfredo with Peas, my summer-time favourite Tomato Pasta, and this Garlicky Peanut Soba Noodles.

5 from 7 votes
Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood
Print
Weeknight Ragù with Veggies
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Weeknight Ragù with Veggies packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Make in either the slow cooker or in the Instant Pot! 

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: easy chicken dinner, easy instant pot, easy slow cooker recipe, instant pot, pasta sauce recipe, weeknight dinner
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 245 kcal
Author: Samantha
Ingredients
  • 1 lbs (454 gr) extra lean ground beef
  • 4 links (around 454 gr) Italian Sausage, casings removed
  • 2 large carrots, roughly chopped
  • 1 large onion, roughly chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 small-medium zucchini, trimmed and roughly chopped
  • 1 large bell pepper, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups spinach leaves
  • 2 28oz can (2 x 796 mL) crushed fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/8-1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
Slow Cooker Instructions:
  1. Place meat in a food processor and pulse until blended or mash up with a potato masher. Add to slow cooker. 

  2. Add onion, carrots, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper to food processor and pulse until finely chopped (or finely chop with a knife). Add to slow cooker.

  3. Blend spinach in food processor and set aside (do not place in slow cooker yet).

  4. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, broth, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to slow cooker and stir until well blended. 

  5. Turn slow cooker to slow for 8-10 hours or high for 3-4 hours. With 10-20 minutes left, add spinach. 

  6. Serve over top of noodles, polenta, or other desired base. 

Instant Pot Instructions:
  1. Heat IP to sauté. Place meat in a food processor and pulse until blended or mash up with a potato masher. Add to IP when IP says "hot" and cook until meat is browned, around 5-7 minutes. 

  2. Add onion, carrots, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper to food processor and pulse until finely chopped (or finely chop with a knife). Add to IP.

  3. Blend spinach in food processor and set aside (do not place in IP yet).

  4. Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, broth, basil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to IP and stir blended. 

  5. Close IP and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Use the quick release valve for 5 minutes and carefully open lid. Add spinach and mix. 

  6. Serve over top of noodles, polenta, or other desired base. 

Nutrition Facts
Weeknight Ragù with Veggies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 245 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 62mg21%
Sodium 651mg28%
Potassium 467mg13%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 17g34%
Vitamin A 3489IU70%
Vitamin C 26mg32%
Calcium 33mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Enjoy! xo

Weeekday Ragu in a white bowl with long telephone cord noodles.

Weekday Ragù is packed with tons of vegetables and flavour! It's perfect for busy days and picky-eaters! Can be made in either a slow cooker or an instant pot! #instantpot #slowcooker #pastasauce #kidfriendly #comfortfood

 

Filed Under: Instant Pot, Pasta, Slow Cooker Tagged With: ground beef, instant pot, pasta sauce, Sauce, slow cooker, weeknight dinner

Avatar

About Samantha

Mom of twins, a singleton, and wife to a hungry husband. The food demands that surround me, have pushed me to lead our food life more simply, nutritiously, and deliciously. It's a good day when family, friends, and food intersect.

« Peaches and Cinnamon Granola with Yogurt Panna Cotta
Date Night Oven Baked Garlic Butter Prawn Risotto »

Comments

  1. AvatarDenay DeGuzman says

    February 5, 2018 at 10:53 am

    I love this fresh spin on a classic recipe! The addition of spinach and zucchini made this sauce so awesomely flavorful. My whole family loved it. Thank you for this beautiful recipe inspiration!
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      February 5, 2018 at 1:06 pm

      Pleasure! Thanks for the note :)
      Reply
  2. AvatarSandra Shaffer says

    February 5, 2018 at 11:11 am

    Love all the veggies you packed in this ragu! Great idea to freeze some of this sauce for a quick meal. I always need fast dishes during the week.
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      February 5, 2018 at 12:52 pm

      Totally agree with you on the fast meals. And I like just not really cooking a full meal every now and then as well.
      Reply
  3. AvatarLindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen says

    February 6, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    I love those noodles!
    Reply
  4. Avatarashley says

    February 8, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    This is my kind of meal!
    Reply
  5. AvatarCarolyn says

    February 12, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    This sounds amazing! So perfect for weekday dinners!
    Reply
  6. AvatarKim says

    July 18, 2018 at 9:49 am

    Do you not need to brown the meat first?
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      July 18, 2018 at 10:29 am

      The IP calls for the the meat to be sautéed. I haven't called for it in the slow cooker. You can do it in your slow cooker (if it has the ability to go stove top) or in a separate pot. I tested the recipe multiple times in both appliances (with and without the meat being browned) and it wasn't obvious if it had been.
      Reply
    • AvatarClaire says

      December 22, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      We love, love, love this recipe! The nutrition facts, what's the serving size?
      Reply
      • AvatarSamantha says

        December 23, 2020 at 8:32 pm

        I would guess about 1/2 cup or so. I'll make it again and measure it more accurately and get back to you on that if you need a specific measurement.
        Reply
  7. AvatarNatalie says

    December 9, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    Where do you get these telephone noodles?!
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      December 9, 2018 at 7:38 pm

      Hi Natalie! I picked them up from the Italy section at our local Save-On Foods. They're a long version of Fusilli ... I can't seem to find a link for them for Save-On, however if you search on Amazon you can find them under the "Garofalo" brand ("Garofalo Fusilli Lunghi Pasta") although the price point appears to be a bit higher than that of which I paid. There are other options there ;)
      Reply
  8. AvatarClaire says

    April 10, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    Can the red wine be substituted? If so what would you suggest?
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      April 11, 2019 at 7:15 am

      Yes, you could skip it or add a touch more beef broth or even 2 tbsp of tomato paste.
      Reply
  9. AvatarAmanda says

    September 8, 2019 at 7:23 pm

    Fantastic dish right here! We absolutely loved it. Even my 19 month old baby chomped down on this deliciousness. We paired it with farfalle, but I’d love to get my hands on those noodles. Thanks a bunch for the new addition to our favorites!!
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      September 8, 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Love to hear this! The noodles are from the International Italian section at a large Save On Foods (if you're local). And total props for getting all those veg into a toddler!
      Reply
  10. AvatarKimberly says

    September 13, 2019 at 6:53 am

    This recipe has so much flavor! I make extra when I food prep for the week and individual (take & go) bowls of it store beautifully in the fridge. Everyone that has tried it has loved it and I have shared your recipe multiple times. Thank you!
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      September 13, 2019 at 9:38 pm

      Thank you! I appreciate you sharing it and so glad it's making it into meal prep.
      Reply
  11. AvatarErin says

    September 27, 2019 at 12:20 pm

    How many servings would you say? Trying to enter this into MyFitnessPal. TIA
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      October 1, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      It makes quite a bit. I'd say 8-10 servings ... not sure why it's not listed. I'll add it to the recipe card now.
      Reply
  12. AvatarJaninne says

    October 3, 2019 at 11:13 am

    Really excited about trying this. I saw the calories listed—is there a nutrition listing available?
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      October 3, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      There's a chart of nutritional info at the bottom of the recipe card (more than just calories).
      Reply
  13. AvatarMeg Gras says

    October 13, 2019 at 6:23 pm

    Thanks for this recipe! I am pregnant and vegetables are not appealing to me at all. This recipe sneaks them in to a yummy sauce! We added pancetta. Loved it !
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      October 15, 2019 at 1:48 pm

      Yay! I was the same when pregnant - so glad this recipe is helping you out :) And now I need to go try it with pancetta (BRILLIANT idea!).
      Reply
  14. Avatarcarma says

    January 14, 2020 at 2:01 pm

    can this be prepped to freeze?
    Reply
    • AvatarSamantha says

      January 14, 2020 at 7:52 pm

      I make it and then freeze it, thawing overnight before reheating. I haven't made it from frozen meat.
      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Samantha

AvatarHi! Thanks for coming by! I'm a mom with 3 young daughters, a wife, and a foodie trying to keep my head above water with simple, delicious, and nutritious food. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. I'd love to hear from you! Read More…

Follow My Kitchen Love

Search for Recipes

Feels like summer in the PNW this weekend and this Feels like summer in the PNW this weekend and this Strawberry Angel Food Cake would feel right at home. 

Here’s to Sunday Funday with a little baking thrown in 🙌🏻 serve this easy cake (made in a loaf pan - no special equipment needed) for a light feeling but perfectly decadent dessert. 

https://www.mykitchenlove.com/strawberry-angel-food-cake/ or through link in bio. 

🍓
🍓
🍓
#strawberries #springbaking #bakersgonnabake #fbcigers #baking  #cakestagram #cakesofinstagram #cakeoftheday #TODAYfood #thebakefeed #homebaker #fbcigers #f52grams #thekitchn #yahoofood #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodgawker #foodandwine #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #eeeeeats #damnthatsdelish #huffposttaste #foodwinewomen #BHGfood #realsimple #bbcgoodfood #foodphotography #foodporn #sweettooth #wsbakeclub #angelfoodcake
The weather is supposed to be nothing but sun out The weather is supposed to be nothing but sun out here for the next bit ☀️😎 and we’ve got grilling plans that include these Turkey Koftas. 

Grab the link in bio or https://www.mykitchenlove.com/turkey-kofta-recipe/

#turkey @canadianturkey #dinner #dinnerideas #easyrecipes #dinnerrecipes #momlifebelike #momblogger #fbcigers #f52grams #thekitchn #yahoofood #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodgawker #foodandwine #f52community #eatprettythings #lovefood #makeitdelicious #foodforfoodies #cbclife #dailyfoodfeed #lifeandthyme
#foodmatters #bombesquad @cherrybombe #dailyparenting
Spring has most definitely sprung and this Strawbe Spring has most definitely sprung and this Strawberry Rhubarb Tart is going on my weekend baking plans! 

It's bright, pretty, and easy to whip up! The light lemon filling is a perfect complement to the strawberry rhubarb topping. 

https://www.mykitchenlove.com/rhubarb-strawberry-tart/

*
*
*
*
#fbcigers  #baking #dessert #TODAYfood #thebakefeed #homebaker #fbcigers #f52grams #thekitchn #yahoofood #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodgawker #foodandwine #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #foodwinewomen #BHGfood #realsimple  #bbcgoodfood #foodphotography #foodporn #sweettooth #wsbakeclub #dessertgoals
#rhubarb #springbaking #strawberry #easydesserts #bakersgonnabake #f52community
Mini Herby Lamb Meatballs are a quick and easy way Mini Herby Lamb Meatballs are a quick and easy way to bake juicy and tasty meatballs for a family meal! 

Serve with yogurt and cucumber salad for a refreshing supper. I highly recommend doubling the recipe and freezing half so your future self reaps the rewards. 

https://www.mykitchenlove.com/mini-herby-lamb-meatballs/ or through bio as usual :) 

*
*
*
*
#feedfeed @feedfeed #buzzfeast #foodporn #eattheworld #f52grams #vancouverfoodie #foodie #foodandwine #huffposttaste #saveurmag @saveurmag #rslove  #foodblogfeed #foodpic #onthetable #thekitchn #thatsdarling #familyfood #TODAYfood  #BHGFood #instafood #foodiegram #lamb #meatballs #dinner #easydinner #easyrecipes #momlife #f52community
It's still the long weekend! Grab this Rhubarb Pis It's still the long weekend! Grab this Rhubarb Pisco Sour recipe and make your Pisco Sour perfect for this Easter weekend. 

Pisco is a Peruvian (& sometimes Chilean) spirit made from distilled fermented grapes. Basically a high-proof brandy if I could liberally sum it up for those of us who aren't mixologists. If you haven't tried it before I love it in cocktails. (Please enjoy responsibly). 

https://www.mykitchenlove.com/rhubarb-pisco-sour/ or through the clickable link in bio.

#cocktail #cocktails #pisco #rhubarb #liquidgold #happyhour #cheers #weekendvibes #fbcigers #f52grams #thekitchn #yahoofood #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodgawker #foodandwine #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #eeeeeats
Happy Easter weekend! Grab this supremely easy and Happy Easter weekend! Grab this supremely easy and crazy good Mini Egg Rice Krispies recipes on the blog now 👍🏻 

The crunchy chocolaty eggs with soft marshmallow Rice Krispies is not to be missed. 

Hope the Easter bunny is good to everyone! 🐰🐣💛

*
*
*
*
#fbcigers #baking #dessert #cakestagram #TODAYfood #thebakefeed #homebaker #fbcigers #f52grams #thekitchn #yahoofood #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodgawker #foodandwine #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #eeeeeats #damnthatsdelish #huffposttaste #foodwinewomen #thatsdarling #BHGfood #realsimple  #bbcgoodfood #foodphotography #foodporn #sweettooth #wsbakeclub #dessertgoals
The cutest Easter Cupcakes (read pandemic friendly The cutest Easter Cupcakes (read pandemic friendly-cakes) 🐰 Cupcakes are a crave worthy vanilla cake with a light airy vanilla frosting that perfectly complements the @cadburydairymilkca Mini Eggs on top (I’d like to say optional, but really, they’re mandatory). 

Wishing everyone a lovely long weekend ahead! We’ll be hunkered down trying to find fun activities to keep the kiddos busy (there maybe some Easter baking happening... 🤗). 

Grab the link in bio or https://www.mykitchenlove.com/easter-mini-egg-cupcakes/

#cupcakes #easter #eastercake #easterdessert #minieggs #covidcooking #fbcigers #dessert #cakestagram #TODAYfood #thebakefeed #homebaker #f52grams #thekitchn #yahoofood #feedfeed @thefeedfeed #foodgawker #foodandwine #foodblogfeed @foodblogfeed #eeeeeats #huffposttaste #foodwinewomen #realsimple  #vanillacake #bbcgoodfood #foodphotography #foodporn #sweettooth #wsbakeclub #dessertgoals
Easter dinner made easy ... this 4-Ingredient Ham Easter dinner made easy ... this 4-Ingredient Ham is a dream to make (minimal prep, big flavour) and I’ve paired it with 2 supremely easy and tasty sides. Fresh spring salad and potatoes. If you’re feeling like a champ Scalloped Potatoes would be so good with this ham. 

Link in bio or https://www.mykitchenlove.com/easter-easy-like-sunday-morning/
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Top Posts

  • How-to-bake-Lamb-Chops-Ready-to-Serve How to Bake Lamb Chops
  • Steamed bright green Broccoli in a white bowl with a slice of fresh lemon. How to Steam Broccoli ...
  • White wine spritzer in a tall wine glass with lemon rind in it. Easy White Wine Spritzer

Subscribe to Newsletters:

Subscribe

* indicates required